Dallas Tummy Tuck

Dr. Laurence Weider is a plastic surgeon and has answered some of the common questions Bizymoms visitors have about Tummy Tuck.


Q. What is a tummy tuck?

A. A tummy tuck, which is also called an abdominoplasty, is a procedure that reshapes a woman's abdomen.  It tightens the abdominal muscles and the abdominal skin.  It removes excess fat and skin.  The results often provide a remarkable improvement in the appearance of the abdomen (tummy).  It also removes stretch marks.

Q. How is a tummy tuck performed?

A. I perform tummy tucks in a certified operating room under general anesthesia.  An incision is made just above the pubic area towards both sides.  The skin of the tummy is gently raised off of the abdominal muscles.  The muscles are tightened.  The excess skin and fat is removed.  The navel is reconstructed so it has a youthful appearance.  Liposuction is usually done to reshape the sides (hip area).  The incision is closed

Q. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?

A. It typically takes 3-3.5 hours.

Q. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?

A. All surgeries carry risks.  Nonetheless, in properly selected patients, the possibility of a complication is low. The risks of any surgery include bleeding, infection and scarring.  Other risks include numbness to the abdominal skin, minor asymmetry, wound healing problems and contour irregularities (depressions or fullness of the abdominal skin).  There are also rare but serious complications such as blood clots in the legs or lungs. 

Q. What should one expect after the operation?

A. The patient will initially be sore and will need to stay flexed at the waist for a few days.  I use a pain pump that minimizes the initial discomfort after surgery.  Gradually you will start to feel better day by day.  Most of my patients take 1-2 weeks off from work.  Stay at home moms with small children will need some help around the house.  After 4-6 weeks, most patients are back to full activity including exercise.  Typically, patients have some swelling for 4-6 weeks.  After six weeks, they can really appreciate their new shape and appearance.

Q. How much does a tummy tuck cost?

A. A tummy tuck costs about $5000-$7500.  The actual fee depends on whether a mini tummy tuck or a full tummy tuck is chosen.  The fee includes the surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, operating room fee and the pain pump.  Of course, fees vary widely from practice to practice and regionally. 

Q. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?

A. The results often last a life time.  However, maintaining the result depends upon maintaining your weight.  In addition, pregnancy after a tummy tuck could compromise the result.